You flick the switch and hear a weird grinding from your extractor fan. Maybe it just wheezes or stays dead quiet. So, who replaces an extractor fan? It’s a simple question, but the answer isn’t always so clear-cut.
If you’re into fixing things around the house, swapping out an old bathroom or kitchen fan might sound like a weekend project. But hang on—some fans are just plug-ins, while others are hardwired. That can mean dealing with wiring behind walls, awkward loft spaces, or even climbing onto the roof. Mess up the wiring, and you could break your new fan, cause a short circuit, or worse.
For newer homes, electrical rules can be strict. In the UK, for example, changing a fan in a ‘special location’ (like a bathroom) might legally need a certified electrician. And good luck trying to claim on your insurance if something goes wrong and they find out you skipped the pro. The rules are similar in the US—especially if your fan is tied into a shared electrical circuit or has moisture sensors. You don’t want to take risks with bathrooms or kitchens, where electricity and water mix.
- When DIY Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
- Calling in the Experts: Who to Hire
- Legal and Safety Need-to-Knows
- Costs, Guarantees, and Aftercare
When DIY Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
Tackling an extractor fan repair job yourself can honestly save some cash, and it’s not always rocket science. But it’s easy to get in over your head if you aren’t sure what’s what. Here’s how to know when rolling up your sleeves is a good call—and when it’s time to call in a pro.
If your extractor fan is a basic model, especially those with a plug into a visible outlet (not hardwired into the wall), a replacement is usually pretty straightforward. Got a screwdriver and can follow step-by-step instructions? You might be set. The job usually involves unscrewing the old fan, disconnecting the plug, cleaning any gross buildup, and fitting the new one in its place. A lot of people find these fans in older flats or apartments—just make sure the new fan matches the old one for power and size.
Hardwired fans are a different story. Once you start messing with wires behind a bathroom ceiling or a kitchen hood, you’re playing with your home’s electrical safety. Don’t try it unless you have basic electrical knowledge and the right tools. If there’s a switch involved, make sure to cut the power at the circuit breaker.
There’s also the legal stuff. In most places—including the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada—rules about electrical work and ventilation can be strict, especially in bathrooms or anywhere near water. For example, UK building regs say any electrical work in a ‘special location’ (like bathrooms) must be reported and checked. You can face fines or even trouble with your home insurance if you skip this step.
- DIY makes sense for plug-in fans or swaps with identical units and simple wiring.
- Stick to fans in places away from water if you're not a pro—like garages or utility rooms.
- Read your fan’s installation manual and be brutally honest about your skill level.
- Don’t DIY if it involves new wiring, working at height (just ask my wife Liana, who hates ladders), or touching anything you aren’t 100% sure about.
For those who want the cold, hard facts, check out the stats below. These show what kinds of extractor fan jobs actually end up being done by homeowners or pros:
| Type of Fan Job | % DIY | % Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in kitchen fan swap | 78% | 22% |
| Hardwired bathroom fan replacement | 19% | 81% |
| Full installation (new wiring) | 5% | 95% |
Unless you’re dealing with a simple plug-in job, most folks feel safer letting an electrician handle it. Safety comes first—no shame in calling someone who does this every day.
Calling in the Experts: Who to Hire
If you've decided replacing your extractor fan is out of your comfort zone—or maybe your building code gives you no choice—you'll want the right person for the job. The most common option is a certified electrician. They handle tricky wiring, comply with safety standards, and know the ins and outs of home ventilation rules. If there’s any damage to your ductwork or outside vent, a general contractor with experience in ventilation can help too. For units in apartments or rental properties, check with property management or a building engineer. Some buildings have approved vendor lists or special requirements.
When you call an electrician for an extractor fan fix, ask if they’ve worked on this kind of fan before. Some fans have timers, heat sensors, or humidity controls that need extra setup. You don’t want someone who just guesses. Here’s what you should look for before hiring anyone:
- Certified and insured electrician (look for local credentials, like NICEIC in the UK, or an electrical contractor license number in the US)
- Experience with residential extractor fan repair and installation
- Clear estimate that covers all parts and labor
- Written warranty for the installation
- Check their reviews online—if you see lots of complaints about no-shows or bad installs, move on
Electricians in the UK charge about £70–£150 for basic bathroom fan replacement, and a bit more for kitchen units. In the US, swapping out a standard fan runs around $125–$300, depending on how tricky the wiring is and if they need to cut new holes or add new ducts.
| Country | Typical Fan Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| UK | £70 – £150 |
| US | $125 – $300 |
Don’t forget, fan issues caused by mould or ducting damage might need extra work. If you're not sure, ask for a diagnosis before anyone starts pulling your walls apart. The right pro will walk you through the options and make sure you don’t get stuck with hidden costs.
Legal and Safety Need-to-Knows
Here’s the deal—messing around with wiring isn’t just risky for you. It can cause fires or void your home insurance if you don’t follow the rules. For any extractor fan repair that involves wiring changes (not just plugging one in), you have to think about safety and the law. Take the UK’s Part P Electrical Safety law: it says if you’re working in a "special location" like a bathroom, you need to use a registered electrician. In the US, the National Electrical Code (NEC) sets similar standards, especially in areas with moisture.
Why so strict? Bathrooms and kitchens are trouble spots for electric shocks—water and electricity don’t mix. Some insurance companies specifically ask if repairs or installs were done by licensed pros before paying claims for electrical fires or damage. Skip a pro, and you might be reaching deep into your own pockets if something goes wrong.
“The majority of home electrical fires are caused by faulty wiring, not the appliances themselves. Leave electrical upgrades to the professionals.” — Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
If you’re not sure whether you’re allowed to do it yourself, check your local rules. Here’s a quick look at some facts that matter:
| Country | DIY Allowed? | Common Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Not in bathrooms/kitchens | Certified electrician for most swaps |
| US | Depends on state/city | Permit may be needed; follow NEC |
| Australia | No (licensed pro required) | Strict regulations by law |
If you really want to do it yourself, make sure:
- The circuit power is completely off (use a tester, not just your eyeballs)
- You follow the wiring diagram from the new fan and existing setup
- You keep your hands dry and stay clear from water sources
- You understand what size fuse or breaker is needed
Getting permits or having work checked by an inspector isn’t just red tape—it keeps everyone safe and keeps your home insurance valid. If you’re ever in doubt, pay for pro advice. It costs a lot less than a fire or blackout.
Costs, Guarantees, and Aftercare
The first thing most people ask about extractor fan repair is money—how much is this all going to cost me? For a basic bathroom or kitchen fan swap, if you're doing it yourself and buying a standard fan from a hardware store, you could spend anywhere from $30 to $100 for the fan itself. Toss in a few bucks for a screwdriver, wire connectors, and maybe some duct tape. That’s your cheapest route, but it doesn’t suit every situation.
If you call in a pro, expect labor costs between $70 and $150 per hour in most US areas, and around £60 to £120 per hour in the UK. Sometimes, there’s a flat fee for extractor fan jobs—usually $120 to $250, depending on how tricky access is and if it’s a straight swap or new wiring. Fans with timers or humidity sensors can nudge up the bill, especially if you need new switches or wiring upgrades.
Now, about warranties. Most new extractor fans come with a manufacturer's guarantee—usually a year, sometimes two. If a licensed electrician does the work, ask for their own workmanship warranty. That way, if your new fan fizzles out in a month, you’re not back at square one (and out of pocket). DIY installation can risk voiding a warranty, so it’s smart to check the paperwork before you reach for your toolbox.
Aftercare doesn’t mean much until a fan starts acting up again, but a little maintenance can save big headaches. Every six months, pop the cover off and vacuum out dust or grease—kitchen fans are especially prone to clogging. If you see mold or condensation, double-check the ductwork and make sure your fan really is shifting moisture outside. If it’s noisy right after replacement, the fan could be loose or installed at a bad angle—sometimes pros will swing by for a free fix, if it’s under guarantee. Otherwise, tightening a few screws might do the trick.
Bottom line: Whether you go DIY or hire a pro, factor in the full picture—not just the cost of parts, but the peace of mind from a real guarantee and regular aftercare. That’s how a small job stays small, and you actually get the dry, fresh air you paid for.